AIPT is fortunate to have staff so knowledgable of a variety of international cultures. For this reason, AIPT decided to share its knowledge with community schools. To meet this goal, AIPT created the Global Education Initiative Program, bringing together volunteer staff who have lived or studied abroad with local schools in order to educate students. 

Our staff give presentations and answer questions on a country they have visited and on which they have exceptional knowledge. It is a fun and interactive way for the students to learn about a country’s language, art, and culture. (Pictured above: One of the AIPT staff presenting to a group of students at Longfellow Elementary School.)

In addition to our own staff, international students from Howard Community College are invited to participate. It is a great way to share some of their international experiences and benefit the education of American students.

On December 7, 2006, as a part of the Global Education Initiative Program, AIPT volunteers participated in the Longfellow Elementary School International Day and Evening Culture Event, which included a luncheon provided by the staff of Longfellow Elementary School. The volunteers did presentations on China, Slovakia, Japan, Mexico, India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kenya, Nigeria, and Italy. The day was great fun and a great success!
Since International Day at Longfellow Elementary School, four schools have contacted and requested AIPT to come to their schools in March, April, and May.

After the International Day at Longfellow Elementary, we asked our staff who attended to share how they felt about the experience:

I enjoyed it sooo much.  It was a great experience.  It feels good making kids happy well if you ever need anything else for community service let me know.  Thanks. 
        – Jenn Aguayo, Program Specialist

I enjoyed International Day at Longfellow Elementary and it seemed the students did as well.  Hanging with the 5th graders was fun as they were engaged and asked many questions about my adventures in Kenya.  They enjoyed hearing tales of monkeys in Mombasa, elephants on safari, spending time with the Masaai tribe and snorkeling in the Indian Ocean.  The most unique question of the day came from an inquisitive young girl who asked how people style their hair in Kenya. 
        – Jenn Dunning, Office Management Assistant

My first experience volunteering with AIPT was very fun.  I presented on Niger to the 5th graders and was impressed by the level of interest and inquisitiveness.  Since my time in Niger was spent working with young people (who were very interested in what it is like to be a kid in the U.S.), I felt like I was coming full circle by sharing with the Longfellow students about being a kid in Niger.  I especially appreciated that all the boys wanted to try on the skirt that I brought and prance around - precious! 
        – Martha Quinlan, IAESTE Program Manager